31 Patek Philippe Iconic and Very Attractive Ellipse in Yellow Gold, Reference 3978/17, Integrated Mesh Bracelet With Original Certificate and Booklet, Accompanied by a Pair of Yellow Gold-Blue Enamel Cufflinks,

Estimate: €7,000 –⁠ 15,000

Model: Ellipse
Material: Yellow Gold
Reference N°: 3978/017
Year: 1991
Case N°: 2880568
Caliber: 215PS
Movement type: Manual
Movement N°: 1823938
Bracelet: Yellow Gold
Dimensions: 29x34mm
Signed: Dial, case and movement
Accessories: Extract from archives, certificate of origin, booklet and cufflinks

In the world of watchmaking there are two opposing schools of thought. The former sees the high production numbers of a watch prevailing, favoring the mass distribution and the detriment of a more basic and classic style. The second, instead, opts for an almost obsessive attention to detail and design, setting aside the great productions to the detriment of a product that aims at excellence. The latter is precisely the vision that has moved Patek Philippe since 1839. With an annual production of only around 60 000 copies including all references, the goal is not to leave even the slightest detail to chance. Nowadays around 170 watchmakers work for Patek and each of them realizes no more than 120 pieces a year. This vein of attention brings continuous ideas from the first day and immortal models are born following this thoughts. Among them is the Ellipse, launched in 1968 and now deeply rooted in Patek production. The reference 3978 is one of those more recent examples but that does not abandon the style of the past years. Elliptical case, blue dial with gold hands and hour markers and a sense of inner harmony very pleasing to the eye. The present lot is one of the nicest ever seen thanks to its almost untouched conditions. The mesh braided bracelet has been realized in yellow gold following the idea of perfection and is completed with the original Patek Philippe deployant. The case with its unmistakable subtile and rounded edge is the emblem of elegance, the iconic blue metallic dial is perfect with the aforementioned applied yellow gold baton numerals and the subsidiary dial for seconds at 6 o’clock. This is a “Sigma dial” Ellipse, indicating the hour markers are made of gold. Accompanied by a matching 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe cuff links repeating the dial decoration, certificate of origin and extract from the archives, this watch is the epitome of Patek’s elegance and perfection.Accompanied by a Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in yellow gold in 1991 and its subsequent sale on 9 April 1991, and the Original Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin.